Potent form of pot gaining traction in Idaho: 'This is a big deal'

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - Doctors are warning about a potentially dangerous drug that's gaining traction in the Treasure Valley, and in the state of Idaho.

It's a more concentrated form of marijuana called BHO, sometimes referred to as a dab, wax, honey, or hash oil. Police say the potent pot is about five times stronger than green leaf cannabis.

"They're taking green leafed marijuana and using butane to leach the THC out of it," said Dr. Mark Urban, an emergency room physician.

"It's really different than anyone's ever seen," Boise Police Cpl. Jermaine Galloway said. "The one scary part is, the THC content-the active ingredient that actually gets you high-is so much higher. Generally we're talking 12 to 15 percent street level, as far as what everyone knows to be the green leafy substance. This product can push 80 to 90 percent."

The drug is easily disguised, because it looks nothing like traditional weed.

It's also easily concealed, and can be carried in lip balm containers, baked in sweets, or inhaled through a bong or vape pen.

"The issue with it is it doesn't have the same smell as marijuana," Urban said. "The classic smell people may be familiar with is not present with wax or honey, so you could potentially just use it going to the grocery store."

Hash oil has been around for a long time. While it's not a new trend, law enforcement says it's thriving like never before.

"It's one of the top growing trends we're seeing across the country," Galloway said. "This is a big deal."

Both recreational and medical marijuana are illegal in Idaho. But with several of our neighboring states legalizing some form of the drug, police say the more concentrated form is more available than ever and is seeping into Idaho.

The drug can give users a faster, stronger high. Some say the drug is medically beneficial, but doctors warn that it can come with dangerous consequences.

Urban says he hasn't personally seen anyone come into the ER after smoking wax.

"We haven't really seen wax and honey spike yet, at least that we know of," he said.

But police say that could change, because the drug is already well-established in the Treasure Valley.

"It's here," Galloway said. "We've seen it, we've talked to people, it's popular. If you look on posts, blogs, some local, some across the country, they're openly talking about it."

Galloway has spent a lot of time working with law enforcement agencies, school districts and hospitals to educate them about wax.

"The issue is we weren't really aware of it," Urban said of local emergency rooms.

Doctors say it's too early to know the long term effects of the drug. But investigators say dabbing is here to stay, and will continue to evolve.

"It's a big revolving circle that I think we're going to continue to see more issues with moving forward," Galloway said.

"When you talk treatment, when you talk addiction, when you talk depression...all these things that we've already seen people in marijuana treatment for, are we thinking that's now going to change?"

Galloway says getting everyone up to speed on the drug and what to look for is the first step.

"We will always be behind, but the goal is to, instead of being a mile behind, just being a little bit behind."

Police warn that this drug can be hard for parents to spot. Galloway said his best advice for parents is to act on any gut feelings you may have, keep an open dialogue with your kids, and do your research.

Testimonials

Drugs and alcohol are an ever-present part of youth culture. Laws and attitudes regarding marijuana are changing quickly. Even the marijuana itself is changing, and new technologies make it easier for people to conceal drugs and even use them in plain sight. Staying on top of the newest...

Mike Jackson

President

Oregon School Resource Officers Association

I work EMS, but I learned more in 1.5 hours than I have in 10 years. Enjoyed the session in Charlotte!

Linda

Paramedic

Emergency Medical Services - Charlotte, NC

Sublette County is a small rural, agriculture and energy based community in Wyoming. Many of the issues that face us today in prevention are the things we are not willing to open our eyes to. When Officer Galloway first came to our community and spoke, he provided the information we...

Ranae Pape

Community Prevention Specialist

Prevention Management Organization of Wyoming, Sublette County

The first time I was introduced to Jermaine I was not able to actually attend Tall Cop Says Stop “You Can’t Stop What You Don’t Know,” due to being in charge of registration, but I knew CARE Coalition who I work for would be hosting one a month later, so I would be able to attend. In the...

Christopher Delaney

Community Outreach Specialist

CARE Coalition - Las Vegas, Nevada

Relevant. Current. Real-world application. Jermaine Galloway’s presentation exceeds expectations. Using practical and riveting presenting skills, Jermaine captivates his audience and has a tremendous impact on the total learning experience. He is a dynamic speaker who will enhance any event to...

Pam Revels

President

The Alabama Association of School Resource Officers

In the global festivals and events industry and the rapidly changing worldin which we must operate, there is no shortage of risk management challengesto keep those attending our events safe, secure and healthy. To do that, the...

Steve Schmader

President & CEO

International Festivals & Events Association

Officer Galloway's class/instruction should be a requirement for all police officers as part of their annual in-service training. It should also be a required course for all parents of school age children. "You can't stop what you don't know" is true. There is so much alcohol and drug influence...

Tim George #219

Chief of Police

Medford (Oregon) Police Department

Officer Galloway is a gifted presenter with obvious passion for his subject. There is nothing more engaging than listening to someone who speaks from a wealth of experience in something they feel strongly about. His commitment to keeping pace with current trends and being out on the streets to...

Stephanie Tennant

RN

Northern Utah Trauma System

I take great pleasure in recommending Officer Jermaine Galloway for training and instruction in Youth Alcohol Enforcement and Education. I have known Jermaine for over 6 years, attending classes that he presented at the Northwest Alcohol Conference, OJJDP National Leadership Conferences and...

Teri Pectol

Program Manager/EUDL Coordinator

Utah Highway Safety Office

Jermaine worked hard to find a training date that would fit our schedule and needs. Then, atthe training, he was well-prepared and organized. We had a multi-disciplinary audience of over150 professionals – from law enforcement to social workers. Jermaine kept everyone engagedand interested...

Eric Wallace

Coordinator of Specialized Training

Amarillo College Criminal Justice Programs

The first time I was able to see and hear the presentation from Jermaine Galloway was at theNational DRE Conference in Seattle, Washington the summer of 2012. The presentation wastwo hours long and during that time I was writing and listening and telling myself that I had toremember every item...

Jim Meyerdirk

DRE State Coordinator Law Enforcement Liaison

Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau

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